Flu Reports Drive Up Demand For Shots

The worst flu virus in a decade continues to spread throughout the country, and right here in KELOLAND.

So far, there are nine confirmed deaths in South Dakota; they were all over the age of 75. The state is also reporting 135 of the 469 confirmed cases in the state involve hospitalizations.

The demand for flu shots in Sioux Falls has Lewis Drug working to stay stocked up on the vaccine. The store started a flu shot clinic at noon, which is unusual to hold this late in the season. But Lewis Director of Pharmacy Bill Ladwig says he's been getting numerous calls from people saying they need to get the vaccine.

While the illness is hitting South Dakota hard, it's hitting other areas harder which is creating a lot of concern in Sioux Falls and around the state. That's driving up the demand for flu shots to the point that Lewis has run out of the vaccine several times this week.

The store just got 700 more doses shipped in Friday and could receive more Saturday. But a line formed within minutes of the flu shot clinic opening, which leads employees to believe they'll run out again. The flu shot clinic is on a first come, first serve basis at the Lewis Drug on 41st Street and Minnesota Avenue.

We'll have some other ways you can get your flu shot later today on KELOLAND News.

At the Good Samaritan Society in Sioux Falls, administrators have issued a warning to avoid a flu outbreak in the nursing home.

Inside the second set of doors to the lobby, a large sign urges all visitors to stay away if they have flu symptoms including, cough, sneezing, aches, runny nose, and fever.

Administrators want to keep the illness outside of the nursing home because all of those who have died from the flu in South Dakota were over the age of 75. The elderly are a high-risk group of people who can have complications to the flu, which can lead to death.

You can find more information about the flu in the resources below and tonight on KELOLAND News.